Chicken Shawarma Bowl is a delightful fusion of flavors that transports your taste buds straight to the bustling streets of the Middle East. This dish, with its roots deeply embedded in Arabic cuisine, has gained immense popularity worldwide for its vibrant taste and satisfying texture. Traditionally, shawarma is made by marinating meat in a blend of spices and slow-cooking it on a vertical rotisserie, but our Chicken Shawarma Bowl offers a convenient twist that allows you to enjoy this beloved dish at home.
People love the Chicken Shawarma Bowl not only for its rich, savory flavors but also for its versatility. The combination of tender, spiced chicken, fresh vegetables, and creamy sauces creates a harmonious balance that is both nourishing and indulgent. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a meal prep option, this bowl is perfect for any occasion. Join us as we explore the steps to create your own Chicken Shawarma Bowl, and discover why this dish has captured the hearts and palates of food lovers everywhere!
Ingredients:
- For the Chicken Marinade:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon ground coriander
- 1 tablespoon ground paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Juice of 1 lemon
- For the Garlic Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt to taste
- For the Bowl Assembly:
- 2 cups cooked rice (white or brown)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup shredded lettuce (romaine or iceberg)
- 1/2 cup pickled turnips (optional)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional)
Preparing the Chicken Marinade
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, minced garlic, ground cumin, ground coriander, paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, cayenne pepper, salt, pepper, and lemon juice. Whisk together until well combined.
- Add the chicken thighs to the marinade, ensuring they are fully coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the chicken to a resealable plastic bag. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight for maximum flavor.
Cooking the Chicken
- Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. If using an oven, preheat to 425°F (220°C).
- Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing any excess marinade to drip off. Discard the remaining marinade.
- If grilling, place the chicken thighs on the grill and cook for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the chicken is nicely charred. If baking, place the chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Once cooked, remove the chicken from the heat and let it rest for 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the chicken moist.
- After resting, slice the chicken into thin strips or bite-sized pieces.
Making the Garlic Sauce
- In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, minced garlic, and lemon juice.
- Mix well until smooth and creamy. Season with salt to taste. Adjust the garlic and lemon juice according to your preference for flavor.
- Cover and refrigerate until ready to use. This sauce can be made a day in advance for enhanced flavor.
Assembling the Chicken Shawarma Bowl
- Start by preparing your base. In a large bowl or individual serving bowls, add a generous portion of cooked rice as the foundation.
- Next, layer the sliced chicken on top of the rice. Ensure an even distribution for a balanced flavor in every bite.
- Add the fresh vegetables: scatter the halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, and thinly sliced red onion over the chicken.
- Top with shredded lettuce, ensuring a crisp texture and freshness in the bowl.
- If using, add pickled turnips for a tangy contrast to the savory chicken and fresh vegetables.
- Drizzle the prepared garlic sauce generously over the top of the bowl. You can also serve it
Conclusion:
In summary, the Chicken Shawarma Bowl is a must-try recipe that brings the vibrant flavors of Middle Eastern cuisine right to your kitchen. This dish is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile, allowing you to customize it to suit your taste preferences. Whether you choose to serve it over a bed of fluffy rice, fresh greens, or even in a warm pita, the possibilities are endless. You can also experiment with different toppings such as creamy tahini sauce, zesty pickles, or a sprinkle of fresh herbs to elevate your bowl even further. We encourage you to give this Chicken Shawarma Bowl a try and experience the delightful combination of spices and textures that make it so special. Dont forget to share your culinary creations with friends and family, and let us know how your version turned out! Your feedback and experiences are invaluable, and we love hearing how youve made this recipe your own. So roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and dive into the world of flavors that this Chicken Shawarma Bowl has to offer. Happy cooking! Print
Chicken Shawarma Bowl: A Delicious and Healthy Recipe to Try Today
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
This Chicken Shawarma Bowl features marinated grilled chicken thighs served over rice, topped with fresh vegetables and a creamy garlic sauce. It’s a vibrant, flavorful dish perfect for healthy meals or meal prep, packed with spices and textures that will delight your taste buds!
Ingredients
- chicken thighs
- rice
- fresh vegetables
- creamy garlic sauce
- fresh parsley
- crumbled feta cheese
- grilled vegetables (for vegetarian option)
- chickpeas (for vegetarian option)
Instructions
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley and crumbled feta cheese, if desired, for added flavor and presentation.
Notes
- For a vegetarian option, substitute the chicken with grilled vegetables or chickpeas.
- Feel free to adjust the spices in the marinade to suit your taste preferences.
- This dish is great for meal prep; store the components separately in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
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